Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mary Jennings delivers an impassioned sound across Pyrotechnicolor, a six-track EP written over the span of a decade. Blurring pop, rock, and electronica, the release moves with dynamic tonal ability — from both dreamy atmospherics builds to cathartic swells of emotion — alongside engaging lyrical storytelling, for a fiercely authentic creative vision.
The EP’s riveting title track kicks the release into gear, impressing with its variety of tonal realms — from the use of wordless vocal samples as a dreamy initial rhythmic element, to the soaring effervescence apparent in the title-touting burst. Jennings’ songcraft delights throughout the album in its striking structural maneuvers, and the opening track is a definitive showcase of such, traversing seamlessly from the initially contemplative charm into a free-flowing “watch it as it all explodes” marveling. Coming next, “Phoenix on Fire” resonates with a solemn mystique, weaving haunting piano tones and lyrical explorations of inner peace. The track’s midpoint rouses with a powerful vocal ascent and “I’ve been hurt, I’ve been burned” heart-on-sleeve immersion.
Another standout track, “Drown in the Desert” continues to consume with cinematic, atmospheric flair. “You’re the only one I know, who would drown in the desert,” Jennings’ vocals let out, descriptive in subsequent imagery as the vocals heighten with emotion amidst glimpses of strings and a steady bass-y pulse. Album finale “Burn” also stirs, illuminating with an introductory piano and synth synergy — as Jennings’ vocals then enchant with lushly introspective captivation. The title-referencing chorus feels cathartic and empowering, its “rise from the ashes” ardor combining with striking piano and backing vocal bolstering. With no shortage of quality songwriting, Pyrotechnicolor is a gripping, memorable EP from Mary Jennings.
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“Pyrotechnicolor” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
